Extremists Burn Hindu Man Alive in Narsingdi, Bangladesh

A tragic incident unfolded in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, on January 23, 2026, when a 25-year-old Hindu man, Chanchal Chandra Bhowmik, was burned alive inside a garage. This brutal act has raised serious concerns about the safety of minority communities in the region. Chanchal had been working in the garage for several years and was originally from Lakshmipur village in Cumilla.

The attack occurred late on Friday night near the Mosque Market, adjacent to the Narsingdi Police Lines. Eyewitnesses report that Chanchal was sleeping inside the garage when a group of assailants poured petrol on the garage’s shutter and ignited it. A video circulating online shows the moment the fire was started, leading to a rapid spread of flames throughout the structure.

Firefighters from Narsingdi responded promptly and battled the blaze for nearly an hour before extinguishing it. Upon entering the garage, they discovered Chanchal’s charred remains, indicating he was trapped inside for a significant time and endured a horrific fate.

Chanchal’s family has condemned the incident as a “planned murder,” demanding immediate action against those responsible. They assert that the brutality of the act suggests premeditation rather than an accident. Local Hindu leaders have echoed these concerns, calling for swift justice and stronger measures to protect minority groups in the area.

The killing has heightened tensions within the local Hindu community, which is increasingly anxious about their safety following a series of similar attacks. The police have begun collecting evidence from the scene and are reviewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation.

This incident is not isolated. In December 2025, another Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob and set on fire due to unfounded blasphemy allegations. The violence escalated further with the death of Amrit Mondal, who was beaten to death in Rajbari, and Liton Chandra Das, who was killed in Kaliganj during a mob attack. Just last week, Ripon Saha was run over while attempting to stop a vehicle from fleeing without paying at a petrol station.

The consistent pattern of violence against minority groups in Bangladesh has drawn significant attention and outrage. As this latest incident unfolds, local leaders are urging the government to take decisive steps to ensure the safety of all its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.